No hope for Inter’s Rivals
By Mirko Corli
There’s no hope for Inter’s rivals in Serie A. At least that is what the matches from this past weekend suggest.
Inter won in Udinese 3-2, playing without both central defenders Samuel and Cordoba, as well as without both midfielders Cambiasso and Muntari, and even without Josè Mourinho on the bench. Samuel and Cordoba were sent off during the match against Sampdoria last week when Inter brought home a nil-nil by playing in a heroic 9 men against 11 game, but Cambiasso and Muntari were suspended for improper conduct.
The victory in Udinese is outstanding because defense was a huge factor, as Lucio and midfielder Thiago Motta were the center backs, and the team got the win by coming back from the early goal scored by Udinese’s Simone Pepe in the 2nd minute of the first half. Three minutes later, the ever-talented Mario Balotelli sent a powerful shot into the net of Samir Handanovic’s net. And then Inter took the lead of the game in wonderful fashion, as Maicon made it 2-1 after impressive play by himself, Diego Milito, and a genius final ball by Pandev.
Diego Milito (what a valuable player he is) scored the third goal just moments before halftime, and then in the second half Inter managed to resist to Udinese’s efforts on goal and secure the victory.
The great thing about the league leaders is this: they never give up on a single ball in their matches. They all are fighting together, until the end of the game. An example of that? No first-choice defenders available, and yet a midfielder with no particular defensive attitude like Brazilian Thiago Motta joins the center of the bottom line without struggling. No midfielders to send in and give the players a little rest: multi-talented Samuel Eto’o comes in and plays as a winger in the midfield.
Inter is playing with so much talent on the pitch, and with the attitude of a small squad fighting for relegation. To sum up in one word, Inter has been outstanding.
As far as the rest of Serie A games, AC Milan is still the main adversary for the champions. Milan got a comfortable win against Atalanta at home in San Siro, thanks to a double from Brazilian Alexandre Pato (5 goals in the last 5 games), but one big hinderance for the upcoming matches is now in place for them. Pato did not finish the game because of an injury and he’s seriously in doubt for the next few weeks, including the big clash against United in the Champions League. Still, AC Milan are only 4 points below Inter.
The other team fighting for the championship was Roma: in the last week they lost the Europa League chances by loosing 3-2 at home against Greek side Panathinaikos and yesterday they lost the last chances for the Serie A title by drawing 2-2 with Napoli.
The bad point is they leaded 2-0 and were in full control of the game: then a great strike from Napoli’s German Denis and a penalty awarded by the referee (there was absolutely NO penalty there) sealed the draw.
Next week AC Milan and Roma will face each other in Rome. Guess what Inter will be hoping for that match?
As I told you weeks ago, I am definitely convinced that Alberto Malesani is going to save Siena from relegation. The victory they got on Sunday against direct relegation opponents Livorno is as precious as pure gold. They came back from an early penalty and won at the last minute of the game. A job well done.
Juventus lost 2-0 in Torino against Palermo: a huge victory for Delio Rossi’s men, big defeat for the Bianconeri with the Juventus fans booing at Diego when he was substituted by coach Zaccheroni. Palermo is now 4th in the league table.
Other games in brief: stunning victories from Chievo (2-1 against Cagliari) who now is almost safe from relegation, and Bologna (4-3 at Genoa’s Marassi stadium) with a hat-trick from Brazilian Adailton under a storm of rain and wind. Even Parma won 1-0 at home against Sampdoria, but it could easily be a draw: the referee awarded a penalty to Sampdoria (could have been 1-1), and then changed his mind in a few seconds. Incredible, because it definitely was a penalty and the ref was just 2 meters away.
And now, the best goals of the weekend: first and foremost, Maicon’s powerful right-footed shot after beautiful team play by Inter. Then, I’d like to mention Alberto Llama’s fantastic left-footed shot against Bari. Finally, Sebastiano Siviglia’s back heel goal with Lazio that is absolutely similar to one that was scored by former Lazio striker and current Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.
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